UN to vote on robust South Sudan peace force

UNITED NATIONS – United Nations diplomats are expected to approve a new robust peacekeeping mandate and additional troops to help quell the violence in South Sudan, the world's youngest country.

The Security Council meets Friday to vote on a resolution granting expanded powers to peacekeepers requiring them to use "all necessary means" to protect U.N. personnel and installations and to take "proactive" measures to protect civilians from threats.

It will also add an additional 4,000 troops from the African region, bringing the peacekeeping force's troop strength to around 17,000.

The government of South Sudan has opposed the resolution, raising the possibility of clashes between peacekeepers and the country's armed forces.

The resolution also threatens a possible arms embargo if South Sudan does not cooperate.